Paul Ricard test summary

This 4-day test session allowed 7 teams to prepare two Grands Prix thanks to the innovative and very secure Paul Ricard HTTT.

In fact, thanks to the particularity of the Paul Ricard HTTT, which offers 180 different track solutions, tests have been possible on 2 differents track solutions on the same circuit in only four days: drivers used Tuesday and Wednesday a slow and sinuous track to prepare Monaco (2D SC Short - 3,593 km), then Thursday and Friday a longer and faster track to prepare Montreal (1E SC Short - 5,216 km).

These 4 days have been fully optimised by the teams testing under high secure and safe conditions.

20 drivers were present this week for testing : Fernando Alonso and Heikki Kovalainen (Renault F1), Felipe Massa (Ferrari), Kimi Raikkonen, Juan Pablo Montoya, Pedro De La Rosa and Gary Paffett (McLaren Mercedes), Jacques Villeneuve, Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica (BMW Sauber), Ralf Schumacher, Jarno Trulli, Olivier Panis and Ricardo Zonta (Panasonic Toyota Racing), David Coulthard, Christian Klien, Robert Doornbos (Red Bull Racing) and Vitantonio Liuzzi, Scott Speed et Neel Jani (Toro Rosso).

On the 2D SC Short track solution (3,593 km), world champion Fernando Alonso set the fastest time in 01:05.363 and Renault F1 Team completed the greatest overall numbers of kilometers (1976 km). Canadian Jacques Villeneuve set the best overall lap time in 01:25.379 on the 1E SC Short track solution (5,216 km). McLaren Mercedes completed 1815 km.

This intense work session at the Paul Ricard HTTT (16 360 km totally), essentially concentred on aerodynamic sets up and tyres choice will allow teams to be confident to take part in Monaco Grand Prix on May, 28th.

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